It’s a turbulent period for German automaker Volkswagen as it contends with major economic pressures. In North America, management reshuffles have dominated headlines, while globally, the company is implementing plant closures, wage reductions, and layoffs to save billions of dollars. Despite these hurdles, Volkswagen is charting a path forward, starting with significant updates to its electric vehicle (EV) lineup and platforms.
Revamping the Electric Future
At the LA Auto Show, Volkswagen’s Head of Research & Development, Kai Grünitz, outlined the company’s roadmap for a revamped all-electric lineup. Central to this effort is the Modular Electric (MEB) platform, which underpins models such as the ID.4 and the recently launched ID. Buzz van. Grünitz promised “huge improvements” to the platform, including a fresh design language that aims to bring the brand closer to its roots and revive its appeal.
The first step in this journey is the production-ready ID.2all, a compact EV concept unveiled in 2023. Initially slated for a 2025 release, economic challenges and a slowdown in EV demand have cast uncertainty over its launch schedule. Nonetheless, Volkswagen remains committed to the ID.2all as part of the updated MEB platform, with an accompanying SUV model expected to debut at the Munich Motor Show in September 2025.
